Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus...I have to tell this story, so that one day, I can remember how overprotective I was in my younger years...This is gross and probably way too much information, but it seems as though my little Palmer has never met a bathroom that he didn't need to go poopie in...this of course held true while we were at dinner last night.Right in the middle of dinner, Palmer said, "I need to go potty." Then Peyton said, "I need to go potty too." So off they went, all three of my boys...a few seconds later, Brent came back to the table WITHOUT the boys. He took a bite of his food. I, of course, looked at him with this look of "What are you doing?" He calmly said, "They both had to go poopie...figures." My reaction..."Where are they and what are you doing at the table? You don't EVER walk off and leave our children in a bathroom, in a public place by themselves when you can not CLEARLY see them." His reaction, "What is wrong with you?" This last statement fueled an argument that lasted the rest of dinner...of course, from my point of view -- I couldn't stress enough how there are bad people in this world and you should NEVER not have your kids in your line of vision at all times. Brent's point of view -- they were locked in the stalls and he could see the bathroom door from where we were sitting (the door, not the kids, just whether or not the door opened). The way I see it, there are two apparent problems with last night's events...1) men and women are just different. Women stress, Men are more laid back...Why is this? 2) The world we live in is full of mean/evil people...I hate that we do not live in the times when we were growing up. I remember the days of walking to my friend's house and being gone for hours, roaming around in the woods behind our house, hiding in the clothes racks at stores, going to the bathroom by myself and sitting in the car while my mom or dad ran into the store to get something...all these things and my Mom never freaked out (ok, I remember one time, but other than that...she was just happy to be rid of me). Today, however, I would NEVER let my kids walk to anyone's house that I didn't have a direct line of site to see, NEVER let them in the woods without me (they might get lost), I don't take them shopping b/c when they start hiding and I can't see them, I panic, and no way are they going to the bathroom without me standing at least right next to the door (for some reason, they are now refusing to go into the women's bathroom) and well, the government intervened on the whole leaving your child in the car thing...so that won't EVER be done.My mom was not a bad mom for not freaking out. It was just a different day and time. Nowadays, you can't trust anyone. Which is a sad state of affairs. I feel sad that my kids might NEVER know freedom...shoot, the way the world is, I might be going to college with them, just to make sure they stay safe and no one hurts them!I hate that there are so many bad people in the world. I hate that I have to be this way. Will I grow out of this? Will it ever get easier to trust and know that my children will be ok without me? I hate that I can't be more laid back and trust that my children will be ok without me. I hate that I let something like that ruin our dinner out. I hate that I can't protect my children from every little bad thing that might and probably will at some point happen to them!Maybe I need to trust that GOD is watching over them more than me... Maybe I need to let go a little. Maybe I need to take Brent's advice and relax. OR maybe not...WE are TRULY BLESSED that nothing bad has happened to our children. I pray that we'll be blessed with safety and healthiness their entire lives,Chasity

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

This past weekend was full of "firsts" for our family.Brent and Peyton went on their "first" fishing trip together...just the two of them (and for the "first time", I didn't pack for them).Palmer and I went on our "first" date night together...just the two of us.It was a memorable weekend. Brent and I each having only 1 child -- that's a pretty big deal in and of itself!It was so cute to see how excited Peyton was to go fishing with his Daddy. So excited he didn't even want to change out of his wet swim suit (after a fun-filled day at the Water Park) -- he was ready to ride for 9 hours in a wet swim suit!

Of course, we didn't dare tell Palmer where they were going. As soon as he heard the words Florida, beach or fishing, I would have had a full melt-down on my hands. He's always asking to go...So, I told Palmer we were going to do something special.

So, we went to Chick-Fil-A for dinner (I got a nice out-of-the-blue kiss on the cheek while wewere there) and then we went to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince -- Palmer's "first" time in a big movie theatre. He was in awe of the big screen and has been asking to go back since. Of course, I must admit (in a shameful way) that we went to see Harry Potter because I wanted to see it, so I purposely went to a late 8:30 showing...in hopes that he would fall asleep...and he did. So, my date for the evening, fell asleep (mission accomplished). It was so cute...he was spread across two seats covered up with his "blue." We got home about midnight...so as he was lying next to me in bed (I let him sleep with me), he looked at me and said, "Mommy, I love you and Daddy." (I suspect it had something to do with the fact that he was getting to sleep with me), but then I said, "What about Peyton?" His reply, "No, Peyton is mean to me." At least he's honest!

Peyton is already asking to go fishing again. And Palmer has been asking to go back to the movie theater (which he now thinks is for falling asleep, not actually watching the movie). AND, Peyton is also asking to go see Harry Potter and Palmer is asking to go fishing...maybe we should switch it up!

Either way, it was a great weekend for all of us -- in two separate places, but fun spending one-on-one time together!!!

TRULY BLESSED to have two beautiful, healthy children that love us and want to spend time with us!Chasity

PS...I get another date night this weekend with Peyton...wonder if I'll get another out-of-the-blue kiss on the cheek?

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

I can't believe I had tears over something so silly, but man, it all of a sudden hit me...Yesterday, for the first time in his little life, Peyton boarded a school bus and went on a field trip to Kentucky Down Under -- two hours away from Nashville. Doesn't sound like a big deal right?! Wrong?!First of all, I was so nervous about him being two hours away. On his own. No one specifically looking over just him...the way I would. I mean after all, the bus could have crashed. He could have gotten lost...all these things were running through my head before he left...I said a big, huge prayer that God would bring him back safely. I even gave him an extra big hug and I love you before he left. Of course if you asked him, he didn't have a care in the world other than going on the field trip. So, he left with a backpack full of extra clothes (he could fall in big water hole, right?!), $5 (I don't need that much junk/toys) and extra food/water (in case the bus broke down)...It was a long day for my big little man. They left at 7 a.m. and got back to the school at 6 p.m. Palmer and I were waiting to pick him up. We were there when he stepped off the bus -- still blurry-eyed from sleeping the full two-hours back from Kentucky. I teared up when I saw the bus drive in. My Peyton was home, safely and he had survived without me. TEARS! This was a big moment for me. I survived the day -- the day he went two hours away from his family!So, I asked him all the usual questions, "Did you have fun?" What did you see?" What did you learn about?" "What was the best thing about Kentucky Down Under?" "How was the bus ride." Mostly the only thing I got was "Yes" "Lots of things" "Snakes" "Fine"...but the best was when I asked him what the best thing was...his answer: The Gift Shop. Two-hours away to a cool place and his favorite part was the gift shop. Peyton's love language is "gifts." I know this, so I shouldn't have been surprised when he said this. I still found it funny though!Peyton doesn't ride the bus to school. He's taken to school by Brent and I. The only time he has ever ridden the bus has been in the Fall or Spring when it is relatively cool outside and for a short distance. He's never ridden the bus in 100 degree heat for two-hours. So I laughed out loud when we got in the car, and the first thing he asked me to do was turn on the air conditioner -- "Mommy, it was soooo hot. Please turn on the air conditioner and can I have some water."What a day. An experience for me. An experience for him. I know he's going to go on more than his share of school bus rides throughout his school years, but this was the first, and I am so glad I was there to welcome my big, little man! I look forward to welcoming him home from many more special experiences!TRULY BLESSED to have had this experience, and to have Peyton home...safely,ChasityPS...Poor Palmer, when it gets to him, I'll just say "See you later. Fend for yourself. You'll be fine!"

I think this is so cool...only today will this happen and not again until 2109.What am I doing (besides writing this)? Eating my lunch (at my desk as usual) while editing an agenda for a conference call I have tomorrow with a client that I know virtually nothing about...I know. Fun Huh?But, it's a great time in our lives...we are blessed. So, at 12:34:56 on 7/8/09 -- we are loved, healthy, blessed...BLESSED!TRULY BLESSED at this very unique time,ChasityPS...Next up: 09-09-09 (I missed 08-08-08 -- for some reason!)

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Birthday America!This is our family right before we left to go to Crockett Park for the Fireworks Extravaganza! Thank goodness we took pictures before we left because as soon as we got to the park it started to rain (and, of course, the "Monica" hair made an appearance)! Not to mention, the boys' t-shirts were bound to get dirty at the park (aren't they the cutest shirts?!)!

We started off the day hanging by the pool. After a fun night the night before (hanging with neighbors and playing Wii till 11 p.m. -- the girls beat the pants off of the men in bowling), the only energy we could muster was to hang by the pool!

Palmer had the right idea...relax!

This is our 3rd year of going to Crockett Park. This was our 1st year hanging with our neighbors. We've got this great little group of friends. We hang at the pool. We have cookouts. We go to Sunday in the Park. We watch fireworks together. Half of our group was out of town, but the rest of us enjoyed the fireworks show -- the picture below is just a sampling of the kids. Add about 10 more and that makes up the kids in our group!

This is Peyton and his girlfriend, Emma. They are unseparable when together. It's really cute! She's cute!

The picture below is now one of my favorites! Palmer was tired, but completely enamored with the fireworks. He was REALLY excited to see them. Of course, it did help that they moved up the fireworks showing by about an hour (due to the rain). Sadly, he was so tired, I'm not sure if he would have made it to see the fireworks!

I say it all the time, but seeing the beauty of the fireworks reminded me of how blessed we are to live in America! How blessed we are to have a beautiful, healthy family. Wonderful jobs. Great friends. A God that loves us and blesses us each and everyday!

God Bless America!

TRULY BLESSED to celebrate freedom on this 4th of July 2009,Chasity

PS...This 4th of July meant more to us than others, as we are so blessed to have my brother home from the war where he was fighting for our freedom -- he celebrated the 4th at Disney World. Too funny!

Friday, July 3, 2009

YAY! This is a huge milestone in his little life! By passing the swim test, it means he doesn't have to wear a swim vest, he can jump off the diving board and he go down all the slides!He's tried to pass several times, but you wouldn't believe what they have to do. They have to jump into the deep end, swim 50 meters (over hand) and can not touch the bottom or sides of the pool -- I'm not sure I could do this!

Palmer and I were his cheerleaders! He was tired, but he fought for it! He wanted it! BADDD! His reward: SLIDES!

Even little Palmer was anxious to see him slide down the slide...

And, here he comes...a proud moment. Earned. The hard way (he's not tall enough)! Such a proud moment for me to see his excitement!

What a great day during the Summer -- a day spent by a ridiculously fun pool with my two boys (best friends and they don't even know it)! These are the days...

TRULY BLESSED on this lazy Summer day in July!

Chasity

PS...The slides are really fun!!! I don't blame him for wanting to go down them!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

That sound is the sound of peace and quiet!AHHH...what an amazingly, beautiful sound!It seems that for the past 3 years, the Phillips family has heard anything but peace and quiet. It all started when I lost my job. I found another job. Then Brent's territory went away. So, we moved. Then I had to find a job (found one, but it sucked). Then I got another job (an awesome job). Then Brent lost his job. Then he found another one (an awesome job). It has been one year since our lives have settled down, and we, I feel like, are at peace!Of course, saying this out loud, I feel as though I am going to jinx it...But there is not a day that goes by that we do not thank the Lord for this peace and quiet. This is what I have been praying for for three years...A peaceful life. Of course, things are not always perfect and there are still stressful things going on, but when I really think about it, it comes down to the basics: our family is healthy, our kids are happy (and fed), Brent and I have two very good jobs. The Lord is on our side. Seriously, our blessings are many and our worries are few!So, as I enjoy this time of peace and quiet, I am truly thankful! I am truly thankful for the simple things: times spent by the pool, times working out, times sleeping without worries, times planting trees, times spent with friends. Three years ago, these things were not peaceful (even if we did them). This is why I haven't been updating my blog...nothing is going on right now...and I am so unbelieveably thankful for that little fact! A great reason to not update my blog!TRULY BLESSED to have peace and quiet (after three longs years of no peace and quiet),ChasityPS...Screaming kids still count as peace and quiet -- the way I see it, at least they can scream! Some families would give anything to hear children screaming!

Perfectly Phillips

I'm Chasity... Wife to Brent | Mother to Peyton and Palmer | Daughter to Barbara and Gerald | Daughter-in-law to Mary Kay | Sister to Chris | Sister-in-law to Jody, Reid and Linda | Aunt to Kira and Dylan | Friend to those who want to be my friend | Most importantly, Child of God! Among all of these things, I'm...well, let's see...all about preserving memories (hence this blog). I'm a Florida (sunshine) girl living in Nashville, TN. Proud Florida State graduate (GO SEMINOLES!) I'm definitely a Type A person that wishes, wishes, I could be a Type B, but then again, 13 years ago, I married a Type B, so we make a perfect pair! And our boys...Peyton's little Brent and Palmer is me made over! The Lord has blessed our family with more than I ever imagined! ALL my boys are my heart!

This is Brent. I married him for his heart. He's my best friend (and sometimes my 3rd boy). He's the boys' best friend. He's a hard worker and big kid all rolled into one. He's wild. He's crazy...usually the life of the party. He's a Type B personality, which makes for a very interesting relationship. We've learned over the years how to push each other's buttons, but at the end of the day, we also know how to make each other smile. How to lean on each other. How to love one another!

This is Peyton Bailey. He's Little Brent in the making all the time. His love language is "gifts" and his favorite food is "cereal." He's a negotiator like no other. He's usually very laidback (except when Palmer is driving him crazy). He's your typical firstborn...he wants to do everything perfectly. He'll push to see how far he can get, but does it very cautiously. He's the world's biggest Seminole fan and future FSU Seminole baseball player. He's a good kid and my future "pastor." God gave me Peyton so that I would want another child...

This is Palmer Bailey. He's 7 and STILL VERY GOOD AT IT! He's me made over...kind of scary sometimes, but I understand him...we get each other! His love language is the same as mine, "words of affirmation." His favorite food is "pancakes." He's a smart little booger and stubborn as all get out. He and Peyton are opposites. He's my "spirited" child, drama prince and future "broadway star." He does everything at 100% -- laughs, cries, loves, screams -- nothing is half way. God gave me Palmer so that I would wait to have more children...and yes, I'd have another one just like him!

This is Brooke Somersby. She's lost her Mom and Dad in the last two years and handled it with grace. She's the owner of our house...we just live in it with her. She's a terrible guard dog. A bread stealer. A food swiper, and all together spoiled rotten. She wouldn't have it any other way. To us, she's part of our world. To her, we are her world.